This Standard describes a method of testing to define the ability of bunched cables to restrain flame propagation in defined conditions regardless of their application, i.e. power or telecommunications (including data transmission and optical fibre cables).

This Standard describes a method of testing to define the ability of bunched cables to restrain flame propagation in defined conditions regardless of their application, i.e. power or telecommunications (including data transmission and optical fibre cables).NOTE: For details of the AS/NZS 1660 series of Standards, see Appendix A.Three categories are defined and distinguished by test duration, and the volume of non-metallic material of the sample under test (see Table 1); they are not necessarily related to different safety levels in actual cable installations. The method of mounting has two designations, F/R and F, where F/R signifies front and rear mounting on the ladder and F signifies front mounting only. Category A has both designations for the method of mounting.NOTE: AS/NZS 1660.5.6 specifies a method of test for combustion propagation characteristics for a single vertical insulated wire or cable. It cannot be assumed that a bunch of similar cables or wires will behave in a similar manner. This is because the propagation of flame along a bunch of cables depends on a number of features, such as -(a) the volume of combustible material exposed to the fire and to any flame which may be produced by the combustion of the cables; (b) the geometrical configuration of the cables and their relationship to an enclosure; (c) the temperature at which it is possible to ignite the gases emitted from the cables; (d) the quantity of combustible gas released from the cables for a given temperature rise; (e) the volume of air passing through the cable installation; and (f) the construction of the cable, e.g. armoured or unarmoured.All of the foregoing assume that the cables are able to be ignited when involved in an external fire.This Standard gives details of a test where a number of cables are bunched together to form various test sample installations. Sections 3, 4 and 5 provide details of different test categories having varying volumes of non-metallic material per metre of the test sample subjected to the test.The method of mounting described as category A, designation F/R, in Section 3 is intended for special cable designs used in particular installations, e.g. power stations.The method of mounting described as category A, designation F, in Section 3 is introduced so that a consistent comparison with Sections 4 and 5 can be made on the effect of increased volume of non-metallic material and test duration.

Amendment 1 see DR 00142 CP First published in Australia in part as Int 88001-1988.Revised and redesignated AS 1660.5.1-1993.Jointly revised and designated as AS/NZS 1660.5.1:1998. First published in Australia in part as Int 88001-1988. Revised and redesignated AS 1660.5.1-1993. Jointly revised and designated as AS/NZS 1660.5.1:1998.